We are sad to announce the passing of current member Mr. Phil Wagner on December 11, 2017. Phil joined the Colton Fire Department in 1992 and received his 25-year pin at this year’s banquet. Phil served as Chief for the years 1998, 1999, and 2000. He was a great member of the department, was active in judging parades for NNYVFA and served as vice-president of the department for the past several years. He was also very active with the Fire Police.

He will be missed. His obituary is below.

Phillip E. Wagner, 85, died Monday, December 11, 2017, at Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton, FL. He was born March 18, 1932, to Robert and Mary (Berends). He served honorably in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. He was a widower at the time of his death. Phil is survived by sons, William Wagner (Peggy), Donald Wagner, David Wagner (Bernadette), and Michael Wagner; daughters, Mary Keller (Mark), Clare Bradley (Alan), Katherine Geogeopolis, Theresa Wagner and Jackie Abbott-Kruger (Robert); sister, Dorothy McGee and husband, Larry; 21 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary, son, Phillip, Jr., granddaughter, Christine, brothers, Robert, Ross, Donald, and sister Marge, and Edith. Phil retired from United States Navy, Edison Electric and Corning Industries. Phil wintered in Bradenton Florida in Fair Lane Acres. He was involved with the Sundowners' group, past president of the board of directors for the community. While at home in Potsdam, NY he was a first responder for the Colton Volunteer Fire Department and an instructor for the Red Cross. Whether in New York or in Florida, he liked to play Texas hold'em poker or a card game called Thirty-one for quarters (especially Aunt Dorothy's). Every August Phil would host the "Wagner-Texas Horseshoe Tournament". Where family and friends would compete in games of ladder ball and Texas horseshoes for trophies along with plenty of food and drink. Phil was an active member of the VFW and American Legion as well as the Fraternal Order of Elks in Potsdam.
A military service with full honors will be held on February 1, 2018 at 1:30pm at the Sarasota National Cemetery.